ROTORCRAFT FLYING
HANDBOOK
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL A VIATION ADMINISTRATION
Flight Standards Service
PREFACE
The Rotorcraft Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for their pri-
vate, commercial, or flight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter or gyroplane class rating. Certificated flight
instructors may find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flight controls,
systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision making is included. Topics, such
as weather, navigation, radio navigation and communications, use of flight information publications, and regula-
tions are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.
This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA. There are different
ways of teaching, as well as performing flight procedures and maneuvers, and many variations in the explanations
of aerodynamic theories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective method and concept to flying helicopters
and gyroplanes. The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles.
Occasionally, the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of
such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR). This handbook is divided into two parts. The first part, chapters 1 through 14, covers
helicopters, and the second part, chapters 15 through 22, covers gyroplanes. The glossary and index apply to
both parts.
It is essential for persons using this handbook to also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR
and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) . Performance standards for demonstrating competence required
for pilot certification are prescribed in the appropriate rotorcraft practical test standard.
This handbook supersedes Advisory Circular (AC) 61-13B, Basic Helicopter Handbook, dated 1978. In addition,
all or part of the information contained in the following advisory circulars are included in this handbook: AC 90-
87, Helicopter Dynamic Rollover; AC 90-95, Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters; AC 91-32B, Safety in and
around Helicopters; and AC 91-42D, Hazards of Rotating Propeller and Helicopter Rotor Blades.
This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
(GPO), Washington, DC 20402-9325, or from U.S. Government Bookstores located in major cities throughout the
United States.
The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and subject matter knowledge
codes for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from the Flight Standards Services web site at
http://av-info.faa.gov.
Comments regarding this handbook should be sent to U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
Administration, Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the current status of FAA advisory circulars and other flight infor-
mation publications. This checklist is free of charge and may be obtained by sending a request to U.S. Department
of Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, SVC-121.23, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th
Avenue, Landover, MD 20785.
AC00-2 also is available on the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/abc/ac-chklst/actoc.htm.